Feathered friends at the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary

For bird lovers and those wanting to be closer to nature, take a visit to the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary, an urban wetland located in Bayswater, approximately 8kms from the city and easy to get to.

If coming by public transport, catch the train from Perth CBD to Bayswater train station. From Bayswater train station, head towards the parking area on the Whatley Crescent side. Walk along King William Street for around 1km, the main street of Bayswater till you reach Guildford Road. Cross Guildford Road and keep walking for approximately another 0.5km and you will reach the car park for the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary.

Places of interest along the way include Halliday House on 114 King William Street, one of many historical places in WA. Halliday House was converted by the Bayswater Historical Society into a historical museum and is a treasure trove on the history of the local Bayswater area.

The Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary was named after a local bird enthusiast and long time resident in the area Eric Singleton. He was successful in having the wetlands officially recognised in the 1970s.

At the closest end to the carpark, there is a lookout tucked away providing a bird's eye view of the lake. Every visit to Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary brings different delights. Some days the lake is so peaceful that one wonders where those illusive birds are hiding. Other days, the lake is teeming with birdlife.

The bird sanctuary is home to many different birds including ducks, pelicans, white herons, swallows, robins, honeyeaters, and hawks. As dusk comes, hear the raucous laughter of kookaburras and the croaking frogs. During springtime, ducklings are always a treat to see.

Take a leisurely stroll around the lake. The Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary is adjacent to several parklands including the Riverside Gardens and is a good place from which to explore further afield. Walk down to the banks of the Swan River along Strand Street through Riverside Gardens and you will see a cycle path to Guildford. Cycling to Guildford makes a great day trip to explore Perth and surrounds.

Picnic facilities at Riverside Gardens are excellent with plenty of picnic tables, BBQs and shady gazebos along the grassed areas. On the opposite side of the Swan River are the Ascot Racecourse and the adjoining suburb of Redcliffe. The dog beach is always a popular spot for locals and their pooches. Note: Riverside Gardens is dog friendly. However, the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary is a no dog zone.

Wander south towards AP Hinds Park and there is often a hive of activity as it is home to a few of the local rowing clubs. Fishing enthusiasts often try their luck near Garratt Road Bridge. Hinds Reserve can also be accessed from Milne Street.

How to get there:

Catch the train from Perth CBD to Bayswater train station. From Bayswater train station, head towards the parking area on the Whatley Crescent side. Walk along King William Street for around 1km, the main street of Bayswater till you reach Guildford Road. Cross Guildford Road and keep walking for approximately another 0.5km and you will reach the car park for the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary.

Other Perth Walkabout articles:

Tranby House

Environment House, Maylands

Claisebrook, East Perth

Point Fraser Wetlands, Perth

Coming Up:

Cycle to Guildford from Riverside Gardens, Bayswater

Bardon Park, Maylands

Go to Great Outdoors main page.

Go to Environment main page.

Go to Things to Do main page.

Go to Visitor Information main page.

Go to Living in Perth main page.

06/08